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I'VE always lived in urban surroundings, so connecting with nature has meant either going in search of it or trying to bring it closer to me.

- By Teddy Jones

I'm grateful to have grown up in a home with a garden, offering me a natural space to spend time in.

When I moved to a city centre, I had no nature of my own.

From waste wood I created a small pot to fill with soil, added seeds, and from there, it quite literally grew.

Now, gardening on my sixth-floor balcony, I have created a pocket of nature for myself and wildlife - blackbirds and goldfinches are regular visitors and even bats in the evening, attracted by the extra insect life in my city haven.

Alongside being a gardener, I am also a judge for the National Trust's Sky Gardening Challenge 2025, which invites people to green the skyline, one balcony and window box at a time.

We know green spaces are so important for our physical and mental health, and those green spaces don't have to be large sweeping parks or forests.

A simple pot of mint can soften a small urban space, lift your mood with its scent, and make an ordinary meal more special.

People from last year's Sky Gardening competition told us their balcony gardens were a "peaceful retreat" where they could relax and reconnect with nature.